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Quietly Enigmatic • View topic - FW6-1: Plan Of Attack

FW6-1: Plan Of Attack

Detailed summaries

FW6-1: Plan Of Attack

Postby Lynnedean » Sun Mar 23, 2014 4:07 pm

FW6-1: Plan Of Attack (revised)

In St Jude's Roman Catholic Church in Hastings, a young airman (Henry Scott) makes confession. He says that he has committed murder.

(flashback) At a Hastings cinema the airman watches with mounting concern a newsreel entitled "Great US Air Assault", which is about 1,500 aircraft embarking from Britain to bomb aircraft factories in Marienberg, East Prussia, and Posen, Poland. The newsreel includes film of the bombing raids. The voiceover reports that German losses are mounting, and poses the question: "The message is clear: unconditional surrender. And there's just one question: how much more can Hitler take?" Scott is horrified and in great anguish.

April 1944

A dispatch rider speeds his motorcycle along a country road and stops at a military checkpoint.

A young woman in RAF uniform (Jane Hudson) hurries through Beverley Lodge, a large country house being used by the RAF, to a room where men are working on maps. Anxiously, she asks one of the airman for something he's been working on, saying that the Wing Commander asked for it half an hour ago. Adam Everitt is in no hurry but at her insistence hands her a large buff envelope.

Unnoticed by the two, they are observed by Henry Scott who then leaves the room.

The dispatch rider arrives at Beverley Lodge. As he enters the building he too is observed by Scott.

Jane delivers the envelope to W/Co Foster, who asks where it was. When she replies that Everitt had it, Foster exclaims "Everitt! Not again!" He orders that it be taken to the dispatch rider.

In the lobby, Scott attempts to talk to Jane as she delivers the envelope. She asks him to wait, but he walks out, looking troubled.

Late that night, Scott's landlady looks for him and finds him lying on his bed, out for the count. Several pills from an open bottle are on his bedside table.

Images of a bombing raid invade the airman's sleep.

Detective Chief Superintendent Meredith enters Hastings police station, where he is now senior officer in place of the retired Christopher Foyle. He asks the uniformed sergeant at the desk if Milner is in, and is told that he is in the interrogation room. Sgt Brooke adds "You know he got Burton." Meredith queries the name and Brooke reminds him that Bill Burton is "the lorries man". Meredith instructs him to tell Milner that he wants a word.

In his office, the DCS looks thoughtfully at a framed photograph on the mantelpiece. It is of two young men in Army uniform. He sits down at his desk on which there is a photograph of a woman with the same men standing behind her.

Sgt Brooke tells Milner the DCS wants to see him, adding "Another of his balls-ups he wants you to sort out." Milner replies curtly that he'll pretend not to have heard the comment, and goes to the office. Brooke remarks to a constable that it wasn't like that a year ago, and refers to "the good old days".

Milner reports to the DCS and tells him about Burton, who has been falsifying transport accounts and charging for lorry trips from Brighton Barracks that were never made.

In his home, Christopher Foyle is sitting at his dining-room table, dictating to Sam Stewart, who is sitting opposite, typing hesitantly. Sam struggles to keep pace, even though Foyle is speaking very slowly. When several typewriter keys stick together, Foyle asks if he is going too quickly, but Sam assures him that he isn't. "It's not me, it's the typewriter. It keeps jamming."
Foyle is bemused. "It doesn't when I use it." After a pause, he queries why Sam isn't using her shorthand, to which she replies that she can write it but can't read it. Foyle accepts the odd explanation with a quiet "Hm."

Sam asks if the book is going to be very long, and Foyle remarks dryly that it looks like it. He asks if she is trying to tell him that they're wasting their time. She says she's sure lots of people will be interested in the subject, but that he might think of a better title than "The History of the Hastings Constabulary in the Wartime Years". Foyle tells her it's not intended for the public at large. He says there will be many stories about the war, and that the police on the south coast are part of the story.
Sam agrees and muses that maybe she will get a mention. Foyle raises both eyebrows, runs his tongue along the inside of his bottom lip and says, "Hmm."

Sam asks if he misses police work, and when Foyle replies no, she says she doesn't either, but she sighs thoughtfully before resuming typing.

In the station, Burton tells Milner he is making a mistake. He says he has friends who won't take kindly to the arrest, and warns Milner to watch his step. Milner tells Brooke to add obstruction and threatening a police officer to the charge sheet.

In the map room in Beverley Lodge, Henry Scott and a civilian called Richard Waterlow examine an aerial photograph. During the conversation Waterlow says that he was transferred from the War Agricultural Executive Committee because he wanted to make maps.

Jane enters to speak with Scott, who then leaves the room with her.

Downstairs, Jane tells Scott that she had heard he was ill, and that she was worried about him. She says she hasn't visited him because she thought he wouldn't want to see her. Scott is unhappy with her reply. When Jane asks if they can go back to the way they were, Scott replies that it isn't possible. She says she made a mistake, and he says he has forgiven her but that it doesn't mean that he wants to see her.

As he walks away, Everitt approaches Jane and inquires about the conversation. She tells him it's none of his business. He asks if she's doing anything that night and she replies that she's going to choir practice at church. Everett says to her that she knows what he wants and she wants it too.

In the W/Co's office Foster tells Everitt that Bomber Command at Laverton aren't happy. With regard to the raid on Marienberg, he says there were errors on the map.
Everitt says there are always errors that can't be helped but that it doesn't matter, as the raid was a success. Foster points out something on the map that was misinterpreted but was "plain as a pikestaff". Everitt apologises and says it won't happen again.
"It's already happened too often. The work is slapdash. People are asking why you're still here."
Everitt leans forward in his seat and looks directly into Foster's eyes, saying "We'd neither of us want that, would we?"

Foster says at this stage of the war victory depends on getting it right. "Maybe I should just move you to the printing section." Everitt laughs, saying that's not for him and he'll try harder. He rises and goes to the door. Foster reminds him that he is the commanding officer of the unit, and Everitt reluctantly salutes and says "Sir!" before leaving.

Jane, Scott and Waterlow are present at the choir practice at St Jude's. At the close, Waterlow offers to walk back with Jane. She declines, saying she's waiting for Scott.

Scott talks to the priest, who asks if he is fully recovered. Scott says he is and Fr Keppler expresses the hope that he hasn't had any further temptation. Scott replies that he hasn't, and says that it was stupid. The priest says it was much more than that but they will not speak of it again.

Scott says that with his pens and paintbrushes he's killing people he doesn't even know, and that he doesn't know how the priest can want him to stay where he is, being both a priest and a German. Fr Keppler says that he wants to go home but it can never happen until Hitler is finished. He refers to "the greater good".

The priest asks Scott if things are stepping up and Scott says there are more and more raids. Keppler asks "Germany, East Prussia? Scott says he's not meant to tell him. Fr Keppler replies that he can't help asking because to him it's home.

After a pause Scott tells him they want to have a crack at Hitler himself and think they can hit Berchtesgaden. The priest expresses delight, but Scott says it is still murder.
Keppler suggests that the airman attend a conference at which Bishop Francis Wood, who also believes in moral absolutes, will be speaking.

As Scott leaves the church, Jane approaches him, saying they can't pretend they don't know each other. Scott replies that he thought he knew her but he doesn't, and adds that he does know Everitt very well. He suggests Jane ask the man about his Uncle Bill and the arrangement they've got, and says she can tell him that he might talk about what he knows.

In the Plume of Feathers public house, Milner and Foyle sit drinking beer. Milner tells Foyle that things have been going down hill since he left. Many men had been lost to the forces and cases remained unsolved. He asks if Foyle has heard that the station is to close. The ex-DCS says he has.

Milner reports that morale is at rock-bottom. He says things are going well in Russia but that there seems to be no end in sight, and adds "And then there's DCS Meredith." He says he doesn't understand him, and Foyle asks why that is. Milner says he would never speak badly of a superior office and that he does respect him "but he's perhaps the reason I'm thinking of leaving". He asks Foyle if he can tell him anything about Meredith that might help. Foyle doesn't know the man and can only say that he was at Ryegate for quite a while, is well spoken of and gets results.

Milner asks if Foyle thinks he should stay. His old boss just looks thoughtful.

Meredith is home having supper with his wife. He tries to engage Joyce in conversation, but she is downcast and reluctant to talk. She goes to bed, saying she has a headache. Meredith, who has already downed two whiskies with his meal, drinks another. He heaves a sad sigh.

As Foyle and Milner leave the pub, Milner asks about Sam. Foyle says her typing isn't all it should be but she's fine. Asked how the book's progressing, he replies that it's slow. Milner asks if he is in it. Foyle says that Sam asked that, and adds, as he turns to walk home, "Might get a mention in the final chapter."

As Milner walks off in the other direction, a truck looms out of the darkness and heads straight for him. The sergeant narrowly escapes being hit.

Daytime. Sam has called at Foyle's home to explain that her uncle, the Revd Aubrey Stewart, is coming to Hastings for the church conference but his hotel has let him down. She asks Foyle if he can put him up for two nights, and Foyle agrees.
Sam then says "His bus gets in at ten to three."
"Does it?"
"And I don't get off work 'til six, so …"
With a little twist of his mouth, Foyle says "Don't you?"
Sam looks at him with a pleading expression, and he tells her that he'll stroll down to meet the bus.

Before she leaves, Sam asks about the book. Foyle replies that he has just looked over the chapter on horseracing and illegal rambling. Sam looks puzzled.
"Don't you mean gambling?"
"I do. Not quite what you typed."

In Meredith's office, Milner tells the DCS that he thinks whoever drove at him wasn't trying to kill him but was just making a point. He's sure they were working for Burton, who is scared. His plan is now to wait, as he's fairly sure Burton will give him what he needs.

Meredith is going to the ecumenical conference at Cranville College and suggests Milner go with him. He asks if Milner has heard of Francis Wood, Bishop of Cirencester, who will be at the conference, and Milner replies that he hasn't. Meredith says disapprovingly that just as it looks as though the Germans will be bombed out of existence, Bishop Wood wants everyone to forgive and forget. He says he thinks the man is trouble.

Outside Beverley Lodge, Jane approaches Everitt in angry mood, saying there's something he's not telling her. He claims to be in love with her and says he wants to spend the rest of his life with her, but his manner is insincere. When Jane says he's talking tommyrot, he suggests she go away with him at the weekend as they have done before.

Leaving Jane with that thought, Everitt turns away, but he stops when she asks who Uncle Bill is. He wants to know if it was Scott who gave her the name, and what else he has told her.

Foyle is waiting at the stop when Uncle Aubrey's bus arrives in Hastings. He takes the clergyman's suitcase and the two men chat as they walk to Steep Lane.

In the map room in Beverley Lodge, Scott studies with concern two aerial photographs under a stereoscope. He sends Waterlow to the library to get information about the areas north and north-west of Stuttgart, saying that the 1931 map he has can't be right.

As Waterson leaves, Everitt comes to the desk. He tries to talk with Scott, but the man is very agitated and tells him to go to hell. Scott leaves the room, taking one of the photographs with him.

Jane sees Scott as he's rushing out of the building, and asks what's wrong.
He doesn't stop but replies distractedly, "It's not there!"
Jane asks, "What's not there? Where are you going?"
Scott replies, "The church."

In 31 Steep Lane, Foyle and Uncle Aubrey are drinking tea. The clergyman speaks of his concern about the number of people who will die before the ultimatum of unconditional surrender is accepted, and says the Bible makes clear "thou shalt not kill".
He pauses to take a sip of tea, and asks Foyle if he has any sugar. Foyle replies, "'Fraid not", indicating by his expression that it would be unlikely.
Uncle Aubrey continues. "Of course, if you're sticking to moral absolutes, you come to 'love your enemy'. And that's where we are now, except we're not loving them, we're bombing the hell out of them."

Foyle asks where he stands, and he replies that he is behind Bishop Wood, who is preaching reconciliation and forgiveness, a negotiated peace. Foyle asks if it's the right time. Uncle Aubrey says that Wood won't worry about that. "You know, he tried to set up a famine relief committee for children across Europe. Can you imagine? It would have meant breaking our own blockade. Of course, it didn't get very far."

The clergyman changes the subject by asking how Sam is, and that reminds him that he's got something for Foyle. He pulls from his briefcase a bottle of his homemade wine and puts it on the table.
Looking at the bottle of green liquid, Foyle obviously remembers tasting it at Uncle Aubrey's home. He takes a deep breath as he thinks how to respond, and then says "Very kind of you. Thank you."

As people arrive at Cranville College for the conference, Meredith and Milner speak with Bishop Wood. The Bishop considers a police presence unnecessary. Meredith tells him that they will be the best judge of that, and says his public speaking in London caused a riot. Wood admits there were dissenters but denies it was a riot. Asked if he'll be speaking in public while in the area, he says that it is a church conference but members of the public will be welcome.

Meredith states that sedition is an offence. Wood is indignant at the use of the word. The DCS says he read the Bishop's address. Pointing a finger in the man's face, he warns, "Let me tell you, Bishop Wood, you say those things down here and I'll throw the book at you!"

Scott is at home, becoming increasingly agitated. Suddenly, he rushes out of the house. He calls someone from a public telephone box, saying that he needs to meet them, and insisting that it can't wait.

In Beverley Lodge, Waterlow reports to the Wing Commander that he's worried about Scott, who has gone and appears to have taken a photograph with him.

Two land girls walking in the woods, discover a body hanging from a tree. It is Henry Scott.

In Meredith's office, Milner reports that Burton must have contacts in a lot of organisations, and gives the DCS a list that includes the Army, Air Force, RASC and NFS. Brooke enters and announces the discovery of the body. When Meredith says he has better things to do than mop up after suicides, Brooke says he wouldn't have troubled him but an aerial photograph of a place called Hoch Feldhausen was found in the man's pocket.

As they examine the scene of the suicide, Brooke tells Meredith and Milner that the name on the man's identity card is Scott. Milner observes that he wouldn't have been a German spy, because he was carrying a photograph of a German town. Examination of the branch of the tree from which the man was hanging, reveals a deep grove running half-way around it. Meredith doesn't understand what that indicates. Milner explains that it appears that the rope was dragged over the branch with something heavy on the end of it, making the deep groove in the wood, and that the whole length of the rope is stained green where it has rubbed against the branch. He says he noticed extensive bruising at the back of Scott's head, and thinks the man was knocked out, then dragged into the air.

That night in the Plume of Feathers, Foyle, Sam and Uncle Aubrey sit drinking at the bar. The clergyman mentions the conference, and comments on there being a German priest in Hastings. When Sam remarks that he's probably a spy, her uncle says no, he is a friend of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who spoke out against Hitler. Foyle says Bonhoeffer did just that in England in 1933, and Uncle Aubrey says he's now in prison in Germany. The clergyman encourages Foyle to attend one of the public forums that are to be held in Hastings, saying that he'll meet Fr Keppler there.

He asks Sam what she's been doing since being thrown out of the police. Sam replies she wasn't thrown out, she resigned and is now doing something vital to the war effort. She remarks to Foyle that things aren't the same since he left, saying that as he's writing a wartime history of the Hastings police he should stay until the last chapter. Foyle says that belongs to somebody else, and Sam responds, "DCS Meredith, you mean. He was the one who fired me."
Uncle Aubrey queries, "I thought you said you'd resigned."
Sam replies, "Well, I would have, given the chance."
Foyle smiles.

Early next morning, Sam cycles to a large country house and reports for duty.

Milner goes to Scott's billet where he learns from the airman's landlady that the young man has tried suicide twice before. She observes, "You wouldn't think that, would you? A good Catholic boy."
"He was religious?"
"Bible before bed every night."

The landlady tells Milner that Scott worked at the Air Ministry. He had come home at about three o'clock but was in a bit of a state and left again almost immediately without saying where he was going. She advises Milner to visit Fr Keppler, the priest at St Jude's, saying that the two men were very close.

Milner goes to St Jude's, but can't find the priest.

Foyle arrives at the college to attend a public forum. In the cloister, Uncle Aubrey introduces him to Fr Martin Keppler, explaining to the priest that Foyle used to be in charge of the police in Hastings.

As they walk to meeting room, Keppler tells Foyle that he came to Hastings two years before the war because he could see the direction his country was taking and had spoken out in public, so the Gestapo were searching for him. Foyle remarks that it must be difficult for him to be in England at this time, and Keppler replies that his difficulty is that he did not have the courage to stay in Germany.

W/Co Foster has come to Hastings police station to talk about Scott. He tells Meredith and Milner that he believes a police investigation to be a waste of time, as Scott was a mess, hating his job and hating the war, and had tried suicide twice before. He says the suicide attempts weren't reported because the man was superb at his work.

Meredith asks if he had any enemies, and when Foster says that he knows of none, tells Milner that it looks like a blind alley. Milner wants to know what Scott's work was, but Foster won't say. Meredith says they will make enquiries at the Air Ministry.

As Foster is leaving, he asks if Scott had a photograph on him. Milner opens his mouth to speak, but Meredith quickly replies yes and asks the sergeant the name of the place in the photograph. Milner tells him, his face expressing disapproval. Foster wants the item back, saying it's very important, but Milner says it's police evidence.

At Beverley Lodge, Jane and Everitt have a conversation on the stairs about Scott. They are overheard by Sam, who is standing at the top of the stairs, holding rolls of paper. Jane accuses Everitt of being glad Scott is dead because he wanted him out of the way, and at that moment, Everitt spots Sam. He asks if she's been eavesdropping. Sam, starting down the stairs, says she hasn't, she'd just been to get some maps.
As Jane walks upstairs, Sam passes Everitt on her way down. He stops her to introduce himself and then lets her go on her way.

At the conference, a group of clergymen listen to Bishop Wood speaking. "Germany is being demolished town by town, village by village, night after night. Civilians are dying. Monuments are being destroyed. The bombers have no real plan of attack, because in the darkness bombing is blind. This is not the way of a civilized society. This is nothing more than revenge, and we have to tell people that it is wrong."

He is interrupted by someone wishing to inform Fr Keppler that there is a policeman waiting to see him.

Outside the building, Milner asks Keppler about Scott. The priest says he knows Scott well but hadn't seen him the day before, as he was at the college for most of it and then went home. He reacts with shock when told that Scott has been found dead, and asks if it was suicide. When told it appeared that way, his expression is one of great sadness. He says the airman was a very troubled man, but that to take your own life is a great sin. Milner asks what troubled him. The priest replies that Scott felt responsible for his part in the war. Milner asks what his occupation was, but he won't say, claiming it was told him in strict confidence and he has to answer to a higher authority than the sergeant's.

He asks why there should be an investigation if it was suicide. Milner replies that it only appeared that way. Keppler assures him that Scott had no enemies, but Milner states that he doesn't believe it was suicide, whereupon the priest offers to help in any way he can without breaking a confidence.

Milner asks him if he has heard of a place called Hoch Feldhausen. The priest thinks a moment and then says no. On being asked, he tells Milner that he came to England in 1937 and before that was in the Church of St Nicholas in Munich.

It is dark. Sam has finished her shift. While collecting her bicycle outside the Lodge, she is approached by Everittt. He tells her that it is not good to eavesdrop, especially in a place like this. He warns her to be careful and not to repeat things. Sam says that she'd forgotten all about it but since Everitt is so worried about it that he is attempting to bully her, she's going to mention it to everyone she can. With that, she rides off.

Meredith and Milner are leaving the police station. The DCS remarks that they're not going to get anything from the clergy or the Air Ministry. Milner suggests approaching Foster again, but Meredith says that perhaps they should reconsider the whole thing. Milner says he has a gut feeling they're dealing with murder. His boss doesn't believe that's enough but tells him to do what he thinks best.

Outside the building, Meredith asks Milner if he cares to go for a drink, but Milner declines. The DCS suddenly realises that he's left something behind. As he turns to go back into the station, a rifle shot rings out and he falls to the ground. Milner bends over him and Meredith utters "Charlie!"

Brooke appears in the doorway, wondering what's happened. Milner tells him to call for an ambulance.

Meredith's dying words are "I've missed you, Charlie … I'm glad you're here."

Next morning, Foyle is accompanying Uncle Aubrey on his walk to Cranville College. As they walk along a footpath near the building, Uncle Aubrey asks if Foyle will join them again today. Foyle declines. The clergyman says there is going to be a fascinating debate: "The question is how do we get the message across - the English Church, the German Church, one family looking beyond the war to the future, coming together again?"
Foyle says that would happen in time, but Uncle Aubrey says emphatically that it won't, it has to happen now.

A car pulls up and Assistant Commissioner Henry Parkins climbs out, at which Foyle mutters, "Oh, oh."
Uncle Aubrey asks, "What is it?"
Foyle replies quietly, "Trouble."
The clergyman says that he'll leave him to it, and goes on his way.

The AC ignores Foyle's wry observation that he's a little over-dressed for a church conference, and asks to speak to him privately. The two men go into an empty room in the college.

The AC tells Foyle about Meredith's murder. Alarmed to hear that Milner was on the scene, the AC assures him the sergeant wasn't hurt but says he was more likely the target. Foyle is puzzled. Parkins explains that there had been an attempt on Milner's life a few days before.

Foyle says flatly that he knows why the AC is there and that the answer is no. Parkins says he understands that, but that the shooting of a senior police officer in the street is completely unprecedented. Foyle repeats that the answer is no.

Parkins persists. "When you resigned a year ago, I was new to the job. I was trying to find my feet. All the facts of the matter seemed to be against you. But the truth is I was a Colonel Blimp of the very worst sort and you were absolutely right to resign. I beg of you to reconsider and come back, if only to discover who committed this terrible crime."

Foyle says Milner is very capable, and Parkins agrees but says Milner has put in for a transfer. He pleads again: "There's been a certain lack of leadership in Hastings since you left. There is no one else."

When Foyle walks into Hastings police station, Brooke beams with delight. "Sir! Don't tell me …" Foyle puts up a hand to stop him and says it's only until they find out what happened to Mr Meredith.

As the returned DCS makes his way to the office, Brooke remarks that someone at the top has finally shown a bit of sanity. Foyle turns back and says curtly, "Right. If you question the judgement of any senior officer in front of me ever again, I'll see that you're transferred and demoted. Better still, I'll have you discharged!"
He walks on. Brooke grins and says to a constable, "Nice to have 'im back."

In his old office, which still has DCS Meredith's name plate on the door, Foyle takes off his overcoat and looks around, thoughtfully. He removes the framed photograph of the woman and two young men in uniform from the desk and stands it on a table at the side of the room.

Foyle and Milner speak with Joyce Meredith at her home. She puzzles the two men by saying curtly that she's not the grieving widow they expected to find. She shows a photograph of her two sons, explaining that Teddy was killed in Africa the year before last, and Charlie last year in Sicily. She says that John didn't want Foyle's job, he was made to take it, but he didn't care about it or anything else by then, because he was dead inside. She says they both were and that she still is. "I can't grieve. I have no feelings left."

As they leave the house, Milner tells Foyle that when Meredith was dying, he thought he was his son. "He called me Charlie." He says that he had just thought Meredith was doing a bad job, and hadn't tried to understand him.

Outside Beverley Lodge, Sam finds Jane on a garden seat, weeping. Jane doesn't know Sam but is aware she works in the library. They talk about Scott. Jane says they were walking out together for a time but then it all went wrong. Sam seems to be in her own memories for a moment, then she looks back at Jane and asks about Everitt. The young woman tells her that Everitt hated Scott and that Scott knew something about him, but she doesn't believe that he would hurt anybody, or that he would have killed himself.

Back in his office in the police station, Foyle discusses the case of the dead airman with Milner, He examines the photograph of Hoch Feldhausen found on the body, and Milner reports that Keppler had never heard of the place. He says he'd got nothing from Wing Commander Foster, either, and didn't think he'd be very helpful because he was under Air Ministry restrictions. Foyle says he'll ask the AC to get clearance to get information from Foster.

Foyle questions Burton. He says that the man made threats against a police officer and was an accessory in the murder of another. Burton asks what he means. Foyle explains that two attempts on Milner were made following Burton's threat, and the second led to the death of another officer. Burton protests that he only warned Milner and was in police custody when the murder occurred.
Foyle says in that case he's covering up for the people who did it. "Listen! I don't really care one way or the other to be honest with you. You made the threats. Somebody's carried them out. Now you're refusing to tell us who that was or might have been. It's enough to hang you."
He makes for the door, but Burton calls him back.

Everitt goes to the W/Co's office. As he opens the door, Foster says that the police want to see him (Foster) again. Everitt replies, "Put them off! He speaks before closing the door, and Waterlow, who is in the outer office, has overheard the exchange.

Everitt reacts with surprise when Foster tells him that everything has changed because the officer in charge of the case has been killed and another man put in his place. He tells Foster that he has to stop the police finding their way to him, because if that happens, they will both go down. He denies knowing anything about Scott's death, but Foster says he's lying and demands to be told what he knows.

Left alone in the map room at the end of the day, Waterlow photographs some maps. After leaving the building, he makes a call from a public telephone box and tells the person he's called that it's what they thought, Dortmund, two weeks from now, but that they've got the factories in the wrong place, so it will be a miracle if they hit anything. He gives an assurance that he'll "send them in the usual way".

Sam goes to Hastings police station and asks Brooke to whom she should give important information, at which point Foyle walks into the lobby. Each is surprised to see the other. Sam says she's thinks she knows who killed Henry Scott.

In the office, Sam tells Foyle she's been working in the library at Beverley Lodge for six months, put onto the job by the WVS. Speaking rapidly, she says she didn't know what they did there but it turned out they made maps and some of the maps were used for the raids on the damns last year. Foyle puts up a hand and tells her that she might want to stop there. She asks if she's done something wrong, to which he replies, "You mean apart from breaking the Official Secrets Act?"

Sam says she had to say something after what she was told by Jane Hudson, who is convinced that Scott didn't hang himself and the previous suicide attempts were only cries for help. She tells Foyle that Scott knew something about Everitt. "I've met him and I can tell you he's a nasty piece of work. If Henry had something on him, he wouldn't hesitate for a second." She says that Jane was the last person to see Scott alive and that according to her, he was on his way to his church to tell the priest something. "Maybe he did. Anyway, you have to talk to Jane Hudson, sir. She wants to see you."

Sam is told that she has done a good job. As she leaves, she asks if there is anything more she can do, and she laughs and says "Will co!" when Foyle suggests "You could, em, keep your mouth shut and stay out of trouble."

At Cranville College, Bishop Wood is speaking with Fr Keppler and other clerics in the cloister when Foyle and Milner arrive. Foyle explains that he is hoping for a few more words with Fr Keppler. Bishop Wood is far from pleased. He strongly objects to members of an ecumenical conference being "dragged into some squalid investigation", particularly Fr Keppler, whom he believes is being singled out because he is German.

Keppler says he's quite happy to talk to the officers, but adds that he thought Foyle had retired from police work. Foyle replies that so did he.

The reinstated DCS is singularly displeased with the Bishop's attitude, and states firmly, "As for the squalid investigation, I'll grant that it's a little less ecumenical than your conference, but considering that a policeman has been murdered and another man has been found dead in the woods here, I'd have hoped the Church might have managed a little more understanding of our position."
Wood immediately repents: he apologises, and leaves the men to talk.

Foyle asks Keppler if he saw Scott on the day he died. Keppler says he did not. Foyle asks about the possibility of Scott having gone to the church. Keppler says if he did, he wouldn't have found him, as he was at the college. Pressed further, he says he left at about three o'clock. Foyle appears to think for a moment, and then, gently, almost casually, he asks if Scott ever talked about his work. Keppler replies that he has already explained to Foyle's sergeant that he is unable to talk about Scott's work. In the same gentle manner as before, Foyle says that that's not quite what he asked, and puts the question again "Did he talk to you?"

Keppler replies that Scott had doubts about his work and that they discussed that often. He says the airman felt ashamed, but that it would not have been wise for a German to ask too many questions. Foyle expresses understanding.

He tells the priest that Scott appears to have taken a photograph from his place of work, and asks if Keppler has any ideas why he would have done that. The priest says he hasn't. Foyle asks: "I mean, you wouldn't have seen that?" and gives a little shake of his head, as though he's aware that, because of the priest's previous statements, the question has an obvious answer.
Keppler says that he thought he'd said that he hadn't seen Scott, so how could he.
Foyle nods. "Quite. Quite."

On his return to the station, Foyle finds the AC waiting for him. Parkins says he's got clearance for the DCS to visit Beverley Lodge and it gives him carte blanche, but it is for him only.

Brooke drives Foyle to Beverley Lodge. As he pulls up at the main door, he asks his boss what the place is. Foyle replies that he could tell him, but he stops at that, and as he begins to get out of the car, Brooke laughs and says "But then you'd have to shoot me. I know that one, sir."
Smiling, Foyle says, "Don't tempt me."

In Foster's office, the W/Co explains to Foyle that he wasn't being obstructive, but then adds that maybe he was but that it's his job. Foyle wants to know the exact nature of Scott's work. Foster tells him that he was an Aircraftsman 2nd Class, sent from High Wycombe. He explains that the airman had done an apprenticeship as lithograph maps and plan draughtsman, and that there were many different people at Beverely, including designers and even cartoonists.

He takes Foyle into the map room, explaining that Hitler ensured that no maps of Germany left the country after 1933, so the old ones have to be adapted, using such as local intelligence and aerial photographs. He shows Foyle the stereoscope through which photographs are studied, and says that two taken at different angles are used to give a three-dimensional effect, allowing the judging of height and distance.

Foyle is introduced to Waterlow, who says he knew Scott but that they weren't good friends. When Foyle asks if there was a reason for that, Waterlow says Scott was a bit of a Bible-basher, which was not his cup of tea. As Foster takes the policeman into another room, Waterlow looks thoughtful.

While continuing the tour of the building, Foyle asks foster how long he's been there. Foster replies that he came in 1942, and when asked where he was before that, he says he was with Bomber Command at Laverton. He volunteers the information that Scott was unhappy with the work done at Beverley, that he was good at this job but hated the war. He says the man should have been a contentious objector. Foyle asks why he wasn't, and Foster replies that he doesn't know but that no one was surprised when he killed himself. He remarks that he thought Foyle would have better things to do with his time. Foyle replies enigmatically, "You'd be surprised."

After Foyle leaves, Everitt asks Foster what happened and is told to relax because the policeman isn't interested in him.

Uncle Aubrey calls on Joyce Meredith at her home, explaining that Foyle had asked him to look in because he was concerned about her. Joyce says curtly that she already has a clergyman: "He's burying my husband!"

Uncle Aubrey asks Joyce if she goes to church, and when she replies that she used to, he says the war has tested the faith of many people. He speaks about so many lives being lost and people suffering all over the world, including Germany. This strikes a raw nerve in Joyce, who says sharply that the Germans deserve to suffer and that she hopes they are wiped off the face of the earth. She says she will never forgive them.

Jane meets with Foyle and Sam in the Plume of Feathers. She's worried about talking about the Lodge but Sam assures her it's all right. She tells Foyle about her relationship with Scott and says that he was very close friends with the priest at St Jude's. She says what Foyle has heard before - that Scott was deeply religious and hated his work because he felt responsible for the bombings. Then she tells him that their relationship was difficult, that Scott wouldn't touch her because he thought it was wrong. She says they might have married eventually but she wanted more than that, she wanted to be close. Foyle prompts her to go on. Jane's voice hardens a little as she tells him that she had met someone else, a man called Adam Everitt. She says she doesn't know how he was chosen for the work, as he wasn't good at it. "Henry was furious. You see, Henry hated his work, but in a way it was still important to him to get it right."

On the verge of tears, Jane says that she and Everitt went to Brighton for a weekend. she says it was madness but that she just wanted to have some fun. Foyle asks if Scott knew. She replies that he did, and she doesn't know how, but she thinks it was Everitt as that would have been typical of him. She says that, afterward, Scott wouldn't talk to her again.

The young woman is adamant that Scott would not have committed suicide. Foyle asks further about Everitt and she says Scott was threatening him about something he knew about an uncle of Everitt's. Foyle asks if she knows the uncle's name, and she replies this it's Bill.

Foyle asks Jane when she last saw Scott. Again near to tears, Jane says it was about three o'clock in Beverley Lodge, and recounts that he had said strangely it's not there, and that when asked where he was going had said the church. She sobs.

In the station, Burton gives Milner a list of his contacts going back four years. Burton tells Milner that when he was nearly hit by the truck they didn't mean anything by it, they were only trying to show him who was who. Milner asks who was driving the vehicle. Burton says the name is on the list. He says that he (Burton) would never kill anyone, and that guns are not his style. Milner is studying the list. He suddenly spots a name he recognises and points it out to Sgt Brooke, who is observing the interview. Turning back to Burton, Milner asks what he can tell him about Beverley Lodge.

Uncle Aubrey is leaving Hastings on a rainy day. Foyle accompanies him to the bus stop and on the way is told of the visit to Joyce Meredith. He asks if it did any good. The clergyman replies that it may have helped her to have someone to blame, such as the Church, God, the way of the world.

As they reach the bus stop, Uncle Aubrey becomes very thoughtful and says that talking to Joyce has made him realise that Foyle is right. He says repentance and reconciliation is all very well, but perhaps right now what is really needed is a little more humility. The Church will be there at the end of the war and people will find them. He adds that he's unsure that they can drag people to places they're not willing to go. Foyle smiles. The clergyman sighs and says that he doesn't think he's met anyone quite so lost as Joyce Meredith.

Sam hurries up to the two men and says goodbye to her uncle. He says he supposes she will be going back to the police now that Mr Foyle is in charge again. As Sam replies hesitantly that they haven't discussed it yet, Foyle closes one eye, and his mouth at one corner, and turns his head away with the shadow of a smile.

Uncle Aubrey climbs into the bus, and as it moves off, Sam says, "Don't you think he has a point, sir?"
"Point? About what?"
"About me."
"About you?"
"Haven't you thought about having me back?"
"Well, I've thought about little else."
Sam laughs.
Foyle says "See you in a little while" and the two go their separate ways.

As Foyle begins to cross the road, the police Wolseley pulls up and Milner asks him if he wants a lift. Foyle accepts. Milner reports that Scott went home on the day he died and was seen making a telephone call in Lever Street later on, and that Burton gave him a list of names, one of which would be of particular interest.

In the W/Co's office in Beverley Lodge, Foster tells Foyle that he met Burton two-and-a-half years ago when he was at Laverton. He admits to having been paid £100 to put his signature on a document that authorised the use of lorries that didn't exist. He says Burton kept coming back for more and that he'd hoped he'd lose him when he came to the Lodge but the man tracked him down. He tells about Burton having a nephew, Adam Everitt, who was a gunner in the Army but was scared and wanted out, so Burton asked him to arrange it. Foyle enquires if Burton asked nicely, and Foster replies that he threatened. He says Scott found out about the transfer, which had been obtained by exaggerating Everitt's abilities. When Foyle remarks that the death was quite convenient, Foster responds that he is many things but not a murderer, and asks if he is to be arrested.
Foyle says "Well …" and rubs his brow with his fingers, looking thoughtful. He takes a deep breath and says, "You've allowed an unqualified man to endanger the lives of pilots and crew. You've stolen money that could have been used otherwise for the war effort. What do you think?" He tells Foster that the Air Ministry will deal with him. Foster replies that he's glad because he'd been wanting it to happen for some time. He says he's ashamed of what he's done.

Foyle and Milner accompany Foster and Everitt to waiting police cars. Everitt, one arm being held tightly by a constable, demands to know why he is being arrested. Foyle explains that he is not being arrested but returned to his unit. As Everitt gets into one of the cars, he says to Sgt Brooke that he is not going to fight. Brooke suggests that he try deserting so they can then shoot him.

Waterlow stops Foyle before he leaves, and asks to have a word. In the map room, he tells Foyle that he was sent to Beverley Lodge by Air Intelligence and has been told to co-operate fully with the DCS. Foyle comments that it makes a change.

Waterlow reports that there had been concern about leakages of information from the Lodge, the Germans seeming to have had advance knowledge of recent bombing raids. He says he suspects Everitt, who arrived about the same time the leaks began. Foyle says he'd be surprise if Everitt was involved, and suggests Henry Scott. Waterlow says that they had looked at Scott and his relationship with Fr Keppler. He hands Foyle a file on the priest. As Foyle looks through it, Waterlow says that the man has been checked and cleared at every level.

Foyle puts down the file and pulls from his pocket the aerial photograph of Hoch Feldhausen. Waterlow recognises it as the one Scott took on the day he died. Foyle points out that according to the information in the file, Keppler was in that village for five years. Waterlow says the area was about to be bombed, so Scott must have gone to warn the priest. Foyle asks for the corresponding photograph. Waterson gets it and examines the two together under the stereoscope. He remarks that the RAF would be interested because there's a railhead and a fuel dump.

Foyle looks through the stereoscope. While Waterson is saying that cutting the supply lines is crucial and targets like that are top priority in what is the last phase of the war, Foyle is deep in thought.

Foyle goes alone to St Jude's to see Fr Keppler. He finds the church empty, and is walking out when he hears his name called. Turning around, he finds Keppler standing at the far end of the aisle.

Keppler says he thought he would see him again. Foyle replies that he thought the same. Keppler asks if he is still on the investigation and when Foyle says he is, asks how it is progressing, to which Foyle replies "So far, so good." Keppler says he doesn't see how he can help him any further. Foyle assures him that he can because he is arresting him for the murders of DCS Meredith and Henry Scott, and the attempted murder of DS Milner. He asks the priest if he has anything to say. Keppler looks stunned, and asks what on earth Foyle is talking about. Foyle asks if he has anything else to say. Keppler says he must take a moment because this is a shock. Foyle asks coldly, "Is that it?"

Keppler says he is making a grave mistake; he's never met Meredith, so why would he want to murder him. Foyle says the intention was to kill Milner, so Keppler asks why he'd want to do that. Foyle replies that it was only a matter of time before the lie Keppler told the sergeant would be uncovered. Keppler denies having told lies. Foyle shows him the aerial photograph. The priest says he doesn't recognise the place. Foyle says it's where he preached for five years. Keppler says he doesn't think so, but Foyle says it is, according to the statement on his file. Keppler asks the name of the place on the photograph, and Foyle tells him to look at the back. The priest explains that he's rarely seen the town from the angle the photograph was taken. Foyle remarks that it's not exactly Munich.

Keppler asks where he got the photograph, and Foyle tells him that it's the one Scott had on him when he died and that it's the reason he was killed. Keppler denies it was he, saying he was the best friend Scott could have had, and that the airman took his own life because he was a deeply trouble man.
Foyle says he was certainly troubled when he realised the place in the photograph was where Keppler had told him he'd preached for five years. When Foyle says that Keppler had told Milner that he'd been in Munich and had never heard of Hoch Feldhausen, the priest says it was possibly a misunderstanding and certainly not intentional. He asks why he should lie about it. Foyle replies that being a priest in Hoch Feldhausen is more difficult than pretty much anywhere else. Keppler is puzzled, so Foyle explains that there is no church. He says when Scott realised it, the young man knew Keppler to be a fraud.

Keppler sinks into a nearby chair. Foyle asks him who he is. The man says he studied in a seminary before the war but was never ordained. Foyle asks if he is a spy, and he replies that he's a patriot, but admits that he is employed by the Abwehr, reporting on troop movements along the coast. He says with satisfaction, "As you can imagine I was rather surprised to find a major map-making centre right here under my pastoral care." Foyle replies with a look of distaste, "I'm sure."

Keppler holds up the photograph, saying it was a foolish oversight to chose a village with no church. He rises from his seat and asks how the matter was discovered. Foyle tells him about the last conversation between Scott and Jane, whom he describes as one of the airman's more committed friends, and says that Scott was not coming to St Jude's, the reference was to the church in Germany where Keppler was supposed to have preached.
Keppler says that Scott knew he was at the college, so he telephoned him there and they arranged to meet. They went to Garten Wood. If he could have persuaded Scott that he was mistaken, he wouldn't have harmed him, but there was no other way. He'd thought that with Scott's past history no one would have doubted suicide, but that Milner is very perceptive.

Keppler admits that the attempt on Milner was a desperate act and didn't go his way. He says none of it has. When Foyle asks if he's surprised that God isn't on his side, Keppler asks if he thinks that God is on his. He says that whatever Foyle thinks, he is not an evil man: "I have been doing my duty in exactly the same way as you have been doing yours. God does not come into it."
Foyle says that's semantics and that he isn't interested. He indicates the door with a slight movement of his head: "Shall we go?"
Keppler says, "I don't think so".

He produces a pistol that he's been holding behind his back, prepares it for firing and points it directly at the policeman. Foyle stands very still, saying nothing. Keppler asks sharply if he has come alone. Foyle replies that he came into the church alone out of respect, adding "For the church, that is."
"You have men waiting outside?"
"Of course."
"But even so, you are my enemy. And I have nothing to lose. If I am arrested, I will be executed. I am a dead man."
Foyle says, "I suggest you make your peace. I'll wait outside."
He turns and walks towards the door. When he is half-way down the aisle, a shot rings out. The German has taken his own life.

As they walk down the corridor of Hastings police station, Milner asks Foyle if he is intending to stay. Foyle replies that he might as well see the war out, and asks Milner what he is going to do. Milner, smiling, says he might have second thoughts about leaving, and Foyle responds, "Good."

Sgt Brooke calls to Foyle and tells him that there is someone to see him. Sam, wearing her MTC uniform and smiling broadly, comes around the corner and announces "Here I am, sir. All present and correct!"
Foyle asks all present and correct for what. Sam replies "Well, aren't you going to need a driver, sir?" and states that she's resigned from her other position.
"It's a bit presumptuous, isn't it?"
"Absolutely, sir. I presumed that you couldn't manage without me."
"Well, look …" Foyle appears perplexed, and he heaves a heavy sigh, but then he says, "Get the car. I'll be out in five minutes."
He walks on, and Milner and Sam grin happily.
Sam heads for the exit and Milner goes into one of the rooms.

The door of the senior officer's room is standing open. Sgt Brooke closes it. Taking a moment to look at the replaced nameplate reading , he says with satisfaction "That's better!" then goes about his business.

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